Remembering 9/11: 16 Years Later

Many Americans still remember the horrible events surrounding September 11, 2001. For my part, I remember many of the details of 9/11 as I, like many others, sat with eyes riveted to the TV for days, weeks and, yes, even 16 years later. Even so, I was hundreds of miles away and doubtless missed a lot … and what about those too young to watch or to understand?

Several years ago, I had the honor of meeting Dr. Greg Fried (“Freed”) through an associate. He was introduced to me as a 9/11 survivor, and when later asked, agreed to share with students his 9/11 story as a first responder. We both realized that most of the students he was speaking to were either not born or very young in 2001 and might know little about the terrorist attacks. Honestly, from a distance I could not imagine what it would have been like to be living in NYC during and after the attacks. So, yes, I too had a lot of questions to ask Dr. Fried. Fast forward three years, Dr. Fried had become my friend Greg. I, along with family and friends, have been to NYC to visit and learn. He took us to Ground Zero and walked us through the details of that day. So, it’s no surprise to those who know me that I wanted to share our friend Greg with others, so that they, too, could hear his story.

For many years, I have promoted the use of technology in the classroom, both globally and locally with my own children’s teachers. I am passionate about sharing the opportunities collaborative technologies offer education. For me, technology is the great equalizer, offering learning experiences outside the four walls of the classroom and into a world that was heretofore beyond our reach. In light of that, one might say that meeting Greg was akin to finding a hidden gem. I’m always looking for an opportunity to unleash the power of video collaboration to help jump-start students on the path to learning!

This year i2i Technologies remembered 9/11 by hosting a special event with Dr. Fried sharing his story. The depth of questions and interaction were amazing.

Here is a sampling of the questions:

Two of the most shocking images from 911 were seeing people jumping to their deaths and watching the towers collapse. What are your thoughts about those images being so seldom shown 16 years later?

What type of video conferencing or telemedicine technologies were used in treating victims of this horrible event?

How do you get over a traumatizing event like 9/11?

If not for 9/11 would you still be a surgeon?

How long did it take you to recover from your injuries?

What are you doing today to help 9/11 victims?

During unfolding tragedies, people assume the world will never be the same again. But as the years pass, events are assimilated into daily life and a new “normal” emerges. Indeed, life goes on, but in the transition, some important meaning, some vital lessons, are often lost. For Greg, as a first responder, an injured survivor of 9/11, and a surgeon, he shares his experiences with students nationally, with veteran groups, and with people in his home town. Greg does not want us to forget!